Interview with Marion Croslydon, author of Oxford Whisper
Hello! I have another wonderful interview for you today, I’m excited to have Marion Croslydon with me today talking about her release, Oxford Whisper.
Hi, Marion! It is great to have you here.
Hello Lia, Thanks for having me on your blog.
Tell us about your book/series and how did the idea come to you?
Oxford Whispers is the first installment in the Oxford trilogy. It’s a New Adult Paranormal Romance (Upper-Young-Adult / Mature YA / College-Lit). It tells the story of Madison LeBon, an American student at Oxford University, with psychic powers she prefers to ignore. But when the tragic lovers in a painting begin to haunt her, she must learn to accept her gift. Otherwise, life will imitate art and Madison’s own first love will be doomed.
The story came to me when I studied in Oxford. I was in my early twenties and fell totally in love with the place. I thought it was one of the most romantic settings possible for a book and I started having these ideas for scenes while I walked or cycled through the city.
When did the writing bug first bite?
It’s not going to sound very original but I’ve wanted to write my whole life. I was an only child, so quite solitary. I used to make up stories in my head. When I turned 13, I realized I could make these romantic stories come true… by writing them. So that’s how it all started.
Who are you favorite authors, book/series?
When I grew up, I was a big fan of John Jakes (the North and South trilogy), K E Woodiwiss and Margaret Mitchell. Now I’ve come to love more intimate and angsty stories. My favorite writers at the moment are Tammara Webber, Abbi Glines, Jamie McGuire and Sc Stephens.
In the paranormal genre, the LUX trilogy by Jennifer Armentrout is awesome.
What is your most favorite childhood memory?
I was born and spent the first years of my life in West Africa. My nanny used to carry me on her back in the traditional African way. My first memories (albeit quite blurred) were those moments.
Do you have any hobbies or special things you like to do in your spare time?
Like for most women, time is a challenge. Between work, family, house problems, there aren’t many moments to relax. I try and exercise as much as possible. But I’d say my dream time would be drinking a glass of wine while watching my favorite TV series: True Blood and Castle are my little darlings at the moment.
Any advice for new writers just starting out?
Phew, I’m not sure I’m in a position to give any advice. I’d say one thing though. If you want to make writing your job, then treat it like a business. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what you’re doing and it has to become meaningless, but respect your reader by giving them the best you can deliver.
Boxers, brief or commando?
Boxers!
Favorite eye color?
My husband has the most amazing green eyes.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve heard or seen?
When I was seven years old, I saw Santa on Christmas Eve. I spied on him all night long with my cousin and we saw him. I swear!
OXFORD WHISPERS
By
Marion Croslydon
~~BLURB~~
Two star-crossed lovers in the English Civil War
A painting with haunting powers
A murderous ghost back for revenge
Madison LeBon is dead set against the dead. She has vowed to ignore her Voodoo-stamped heritage and the psychic gift passed down through her Louisiana family. The world of the living is where she wants to belong.
But her resolution shatters when the ill-fated lovers in a painting—the subject of her first history class at Oxford—begin to haunt her. The lovers warn her against their own nemesis, a Puritan from the English Civil War.
In misty present-day Oxford, Madison embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets of the past and understand her personal bond with the painting. To protect herself, she must learn to accept her gift before life imitates art, in all its tragedy.
College becomes more complicated when she falls hard for Rupert Vance, a troubled aristocrat and descendant of one of the characters in the painting.
With the spirit of a murderer in hot pursuit, Madison comes to realize that her own first love may be doomed…
Based on a real Pre-Raphaelite painting, Oxford Whispers is full of romance, drama and suspense.
Fall in love for the first time… Again
~~About the Author~~
I am a true citizen of the world. I was born in West Africa, grew up in the South of France, and studied in Vienna, Paris, Berlin, Cape Town, and Oxford before finally settling down in London. This wide variety of cities has provided lots of inspiration for my writing. Talk about culture exposure!
In addition to being an author, I work as an entrepreneur, wife and mother-of-one but spend a good deal of time with books, DVDs and listening to my mp3 player; all for the sake of inspiration, of course. My debut series, The Oxford Trilogy, has been a blast to write because I can indulge in my favorite types of music: Country and English rock.
My main goal as a writer is to make readers dream bigger and cause their hearts to beat a little faster. Since my writing is all about sharing dreams and stories, I love connecting with fellow readers and authors.
~~Marion’s LINKS~~
www.facebook.com/marioncroslydon
www.youtube.com/user/marioncroslydon.
~~GIVEAWAY~~
Marion will be giving away a $20 New Adult Reading pack –i.e. selected NA titles on Amazon to one commenter on the tour
Follow the tour! http://goddessfishpromotions.
Thank you for hosting today.
I enjoyed the interview. Good advice.
bn100candg(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Glad I could help!
Thanks for having me on your blog! M x